Have you noticed your dog drinking or weeing more than usual? These two signs usually happen together, since the more your dog drinks, the more they will need to wee, and vice versa. Let’s take a look at why your dog might be drinking and weeing more than usual.
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How do I know if my dog is drinking too much water?
Many owners will notice their dog is drinking more because they find they are having to fill their water bowl more often than usual. Of course this is harder to judge if you have more than one pet! Other symptoms to watch for include seeing them drinking more often, drinking from puddles or taps (or even toilet bowls!), weeing more often or for longer, or having accidents and passing urine inside. Sometimes, dogs may drink so much in one go that they then vomit.
If you aren’t sure, you can measure roughly how much your dog drinks in 24 hours and let your vet know. Use a measuring jug to pour out a set amount of water and record each time you add more. Then measure the amount left in the bowl at the end of the 24 hour period, and subtract it from the total. More than 90ml per kg per day is almost always abnormal, except in very hot conditions or after very strenuous exercise.
Should I be concerned if my dog is drinking a lot of water?
If your dog drinks more on very hot days, or after vigorous exercise, this isn’t usually a cause for concern. However, if you notice your dog drinking more water without an obvious explanation, or it goes on for more than a couple of days, you should always take them to your vet for a check-up. It is useful if you can take a fresh urine sample to the appointment, in a clean container.
Why is my dog drinking so much water?
The medical term vets use for drinking and weeing more is polyuria (weeing too much) and polydipsia (drinking too much) – or PUPD for short. There are many possible causes for PUPD, with the more common causes including:
A urine (or water) infection
You’d usually also notice your dog straining or squatting frequently to wee, or passing wee more often. You may also notice some blood in their urine.
Diabetes
PUPD is often the first sign of diabetes, but you may also notice increased hunger (or decreased in later stages), weight loss or cataracts.
Kidney disease
This tends to be progressive and irreversible, but can often be managed for a period of time if it is caught early enough.
Liver disease
This is a blanket term, covering many illnesses affecting the liver.
Pyometra (infection of the uterus, or womb, in unneutered bitches)
This usually also causes lethargy, reduced appetite and sickness. You may also notice a mucky discharge from their vulva, or notice them licking here.
Hormonal disorders, such as Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism)
Other possibilities include hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) or Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism).
Cancer
Some types of cancer can cause increased thirst, sometimes due to high blood calcium levels.
Some medications
For example, taking steroids can make your dog more thirsty than usual. If you aren’t sure if it could be a side effect of a drug, call your vet practice for advice.
Some of these causes are more serious than others, and the list is not exhaustive. So, the earlier you take your dog to the vet, the better. Often, the sooner treatment or management can be started, the better the outcome for your pup.
What should I do if my dog drinks a lot of water?
Firstly, you should never try to restrict your dog’s water intake, as this can be very dangerous. If you suspect your dog is drinking more water than usual, or weeing more, then book a consult with your vet as soon as possible. If you can manage, taking a fresh urine sample in a clean container can provide a lot of useful information for your vet.
Your vet will examine your dog and test your dog’s urine, which gives them information on whether your dog might have a urine infection, kidney disease or diabetes. Following on from this, they would advise further tests, depending on what they have found. This could include blood tests and ultrasound imaging.
If you notice any changes in your pet’s thirst or urination, it’s time for a vet check! And remember, old age is not a disease! If you notice any changes in your middle age or senior dog, you should contact your vet for advice.
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